Pakistan lifts Islamabad-Rawalpindi restrictions as US-Iran peace talks stall

With US and Israel peace talks at a stalemate and no immediate prospects for a second round of negotiations, Pakistan has eased restrictions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

In Short

• Talks between US and Iran to end West Asia war stalled
• Pakistan eases vehicle curbs in Islamabad, Rawalpindi
• Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi leaves Pak without US talks

Pakistan has relaxed some of the stringent security restrictions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, allowing limited movement of heavy vehicles after it became clear that a fresh round of talks between the United States and Iran was unlikely in the immediate future. Islamabad hosted the first round of peace talks and was preparing for another.

The curbs had been imposed last week amid expectations that Islamabad would host a second round of negotiations between the two countries. Authorities had deployed more than 10,000 security personnel and enforced tight movement controls, effectively shutting down large parts of both cities to manage traffic and ensure security.

However, the talks have hit a roadblock, with Tehran unwilling to accept Donald Trump’s demands to give up nuclear enrichment and amid tensions over the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

"Traffic restrictions around the Serena Hotel and the Red Zone in Islamabad will end today. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the people of Pakistan—especially the residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi—for their patience and cooperation," Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said.

The easing of restrictions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi followed the departure of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who left Pakistan's capital on Saturday night without waiting for the arrival of US negotiators, news agency PTI reported. Around the same time, US President Donald Trump cancelled plans to send an American delegation to Pakistan, signalling a pause in the diplomatic process.

On Sunday, trucks carrying medicines, perishable goods, and other essential supplies were permitted to enter the twin cities. However, authorities cautioned that traffic diversions could still be enforced on key roads if foreign delegations arrive at short notice.

Police said that while security deployment remains in place, restrictions on regular commuters have been eased. Some arterial roads may still be closed intermittently, with traffic redirected to alternative routes, often located away from central Islamabad.

With the situation stabilising, several universities that had shifted to online classes over the past week announced a return to in-person teaching from Monday.

During his visit, Araghchi held meetings with Pakistan’s top leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir. He is understood to have shared Tehran’s conditions for ending the ongoing conflict before departing for Oman.

Describing his visit as “very fruitful,” Araghchi said in a post on X that Iran values Pakistan’s “good offices and brotherly efforts” in facilitating regional peace.

Some media reports suggested that the Iranian minister may return to Islamabad from Oman for further consultations, before proceeding to Russia. However, there has been no official confirmation of these plans.

- Ends